Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Welcome to the new Cricut Explore machine! Check out these photos! I have the entire keynote speech that Provo Craft's CEO, Ashish Arora on video below so you can have the firsthand experience like I had and hear and see all the details.

Below is a place for your tools (top) and your cartridge (below), if you want to use it.

It has an automatic dial setting for all the speed, pressure and blade depth settings for different materials.

Below they've got special storage for your blades and extra housings (with magnetic holder for the blades) and a place for all your tools. And the bottom of the machine is raised so you can slide your mats easily underneath.

Here are the most significant details we know right now:- It will use a new online software called Cricut Design Space but don't worry, Cricut Craft Room will still be available and supported.- With this software, you can use true type fonts and other SVG files. Also, there are a variety of turnkey Cricut projects and images available.- MSRP is $299 and it will debut on HSN on February 12. It will be in other retail outlets starting in March.- A library of 50,000 Cricut images will be available to purchase individually for 99 cents.- Also, they will have a monthly subscription of $9.99 for access to half the library or 25,000 images (no idea which ones).- That subscription is month to month - no problem canceling whenever you want.- You can use your existing cartridges in the machine but it will be with the Cricut Design Space, which requires the internet.

- Yes, it really did cut these tiny confetti pieces from the invitation above.Tomorrow, we get some hands on time with the machine so there will be more to report on it.Experience the Reveal of this Cricut Explore machine below on video - live from the event (click HERE if you can't see the video):

New Cricut Giveaway - When I Was A Kid

How can you win?1) Leave a comment below - What do you think of the new machine? Click HERE if you don't know how to leave a comment. Click HERE to leave a comment if you are seeing this in an email. Then scroll down and look for the comment box at the bottom.2) Subscribe to my email club. 3) Not required to enter but please subscribe to me on youtubeand/or pinterest- that way you won't miss any projects or tutorials!

Winner will be announced on January 26, 2014 and has two weeks to claim prize. U.S. Residents only, please, over 18. Void where prohibited.
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352 comments:

I seriously stayed up waiting for your post! It is 2 AM here in Ohio!! I LOVE this machine !! Can't wait to see one in person.. Going to have to convince my boys that mama wants one and they should buy it for me! LOL It can just be Christmas and Birthday for the next 3 years!

I cant wait to be able to get my hands on this machine!!!! Im so excited. and WOW! it sure can cut some small pieces. The design space looks so easy to use. I love how it tells you the colors. Im so excited!!! Thanks for sharing all the info with all of us!-Maritza Henson

hmmm...interesting, but the jury is still out. what is up with the new design software? I have carts that are only available in the CCR --digital. will the older cricuts be compatible with the new software or is it only svg files? how about the gypsy and the jukebox? I saw ports, are there places to plug them in? more questions than answers.have my eye on the brother scan n cut. do love the cart you are giving away.. had a chance to play with it in the CCR and it is awesome. thanks for the chance to win.

I think it looks pretty nice but.. I'm a tad worried about how they (cricut) are coming up with a new program and seems like they're getting ready to move away from craft room. I'm hoping at the very least the new program is able to sync with my gypsy so that my carts can be used there.. Especially since my gypsy recently broke and is being sent in id hate to be paying to fix a gypsy that can't be used with the new machine

I like the small cuts and the option to cut svg. I don't like to use an online program. I like to work offline and without computers as well (I do now use the ccr, but not so often). I find it a big pro that I can cut on my cricut without using a computer as well.

I have been waiting for them to come out with a new machine that cuts SVG files! I would like to know if it works with the gypsy. I do most of my work on the gypsy. Thanks for the information and a chance to win a great cartridge!! Linda

this is exciting news for people with lots of Cricut cartridges and keeping up with the competition. I might wait till, version 2mtomget another one though. Not crazy about not having ccr which I love. I did see the new fiskars machine and wow the cuts were amazing. So I'm up in the air about which machine to get.

I love my Cricut Expression and have had it for several years and it still works great and I love Cricut Craft Room. The new machine and it's capabilities sound incredible. Thank you for the opportunity to win this new machine.

It's nice that they are trying to catch up with the times, but I already bought 4 machines since it was first introduced. Not including the gypsy. In this economy I can't see spending 300 dollars for a new machine. I wish they had come up with something where you could use your existing machine to cut svgs. I love the cartridges and I obviously love my cricut since I have 4. But I can't let them into my pocket anymore. Disappointed....

Probably a great machine, but I am still burning up over the Imagine machine that doesn't work as promised. Wish they put some more effort into that one - nothing else on the market cuts and prints. I have 3 Cricuts and I won't be spending another 300 on this one. Hope it works as promised for those who are excited about this newbie. I do like the true type font and SVG feature.

I think the new machine will be very cool. It looks like the company is taking the consumer and space saving into consideration. I would love to win this cartridge and even more awesome the drawing is on my birthday so I think this would be an awesome gift!

The new Cricut looks so interesting I know I love my Cricut and definitely can't imagine my life without it.So I can't wait to find out more about it and see it in action in your hot little hands. Thanks for the video and the info. YOU ROCK!!

OMG!! This new Cricut looks awesome. Love the new features and being able to use true fonts and SVG cuts. My Dad will be impressed as he thinks the cricut I gave my mom is primitive." Needs to be able to cut what you tell it too from computer files he says LOL .? Can't wait to see all the rest of the details :) Have fun Joy!

I'm so on the fence...I thought this one would replace my other machines...but I would still need them to not have to use the internet and to use my Gypsy. That doesn't help with limited space. Still cool, though!

I think the new machine is pretty nice. I am very excited to see what all the machine can do... I am not sure if I am convinced enough to switch over from my original Expression. I do love the "Thank You" card that was made in the video. That was such a neat looking card!

Wow that was impressive, thank you for sharing. Did it cut as smooth as it looked, mine is getting pretty choppy especially with small and intricate. I have been thinking of a new machine but had pretty much decided it would not be a cricut now I am not so sure. I guess I will just have to be patient and sit back and wait to see how it works.

Not to sure about this machine. I own two cricuts now and a gypsy. Have about 80 carts. Few years ago I bought MTC program then Provo craft pulled the plug on that. Too new for me to think about investing in a new machine

I like the new storage, but it looks clunkier. Really disappointed that PC is only now letting people cut with svg. I have too much invested in my carts now and CDS has finally stopped working. I hate CCR since we can't hang images off the mat and just cut what we want now. I'm skeptical about having to have 2 software packages to cut with. Too complicated.

I am glad to see the new machine; however it seems that Cricut is beginning to be like Microsoft Office - a new and better machine every two years. I love Cricut Craft Room and hope they do not do away with it as I have designed quite a few of my files using the Basic Shapes - would hate to lose them in the conversion. It would be awesome if Cricut would give users the option to purchase updated software that would allow us to use SVG on the machines we own already. I own the original Cricut, Mini Cricut and two Expressions (ended up getting a deal at WalMart during Xmas - paid $4.50 (tax) - Machine sold for $99.00 with a $100 gift card to the CCR exclusive designs. Cannot wait to continue your reviews on the machine. Thanks for Sharing -

Joy, look amazing. The video was a little hard to understand so maybe you can answer this question. The new program allows you to upload and cut your own svg's. But do you have to pay the $9.99 to use the program and cut them? Or does the program come with the new machine?

looks impressive but I'm tired of Cricut changing the way we can use their products. I invested in the gyspsy, then craft room now this? Why can't we just use this new machine with the craft room and improve upon that avenue?The new machine looks amazing...

Haven't watched the video yet, but read your comments. I had a feeling cricut would come out with something that would cut SVG files, just so it could compete with the machines that already do so. I for one have wanted something like that for a while, so many places/blog give away free SVG's. I just hope that they keep supporting the cricut craft room, because that's really all I need, and my daughter just got a new cricut expression 2 and is looking forward to using it.

Sorry , not getting alone with cameo sil and it's up for sale. Like the idea of using an ipad as for health reason I find using a laptop very difficult. Looking forward to seeing what you think of this machine when you gave had a play.

This all looks very interesting. I am excited to see what all it can do. I am going to take the wait and see stance, though, before I rush to buy one. I already have a lot invested in my cartridges and machines.TFS, Joy! I know you and Melanie are in Cricut Heaven!

Oh my goodness - this is the the bomb-diggity!!!! Love the ability to use true-type fonts as I am a bit of a font nut!!!! Thanks for the preview. I look forward to your opinions of it as you get to play!!!!!

sounds a lot like silhouette which is fabulous as I love Cricut and didn't really want to change over to Silhouette, it's a bit out of my price range right now so I will still stick with my trusty expression and my cartridges until it's been out a while and hopefully come down in price!

The following has me wondering what it means exactly;You can use your existing cartridges in the machine but it will be with the Cricut Design Space, which requires the internet. - See more at: http://www.obsessedwithscrapbooking.com/#sthash.qZQoGxgp.dpufIs the Gypsy going to work with the new?Melissa"Sunshine HoneyBee"

Thank you for the preview of this new machine. I will be watching for all the info but will not be getting on the bandwagon for awhile. Still have a Gypsy that doesn't work after update so will use what I have with the Expression and Cuttlebug.

Looks interesting. Can't wait to see what real "users" have to say about it. You said that we can use our existing cartridges but need to use the Design Space. Do we need to sync them & can we do that if we already have them synced to a Gypsy or the Craft Room?Donna K U

I like what I saw in the video, a huge thanks Joy for this! I too have the Expression and Gypsy. Love them both and tons of carts. But don't understand why we can't use our carts in it by itself but have to have a software and internet? Not good! So, I am on the fence about whether or not I would purchase or not! Thanks for a chance to win the cart!

I am eager to hear how everyone likes it once they are using it at home! I am a big Cricut fan - but jumped the bandwagon too soon before and found there were design flaws. I'll be eager to hear your true opinions as you use it!

It looks like a really neat machine and the design software is exceptional. I don't think that I would purchase the machine because I have already invested a good deal of money in my Cricut Expression. I hope that at some point they will make the new design software compatible with the older machines.

Whoo Hoo! Look at all the comments! Think I'm #93! I think it's great that you and Melanie got to go and will learn all about it so you can teach your followers - and I know there are sooo many dedicated Cricut users thrilled to know they can now access SVG files - yay!!Melinda StrangeHuntsville, TX

I would be super interested if I didn't JUST get a Cameo! I do still love my E2, carts, and Gypsy, so it's great that the new machine will still use our carts. It would have been nice if they made the upgrades to the E2 so we didn't have to buy a whole new machine. Even without the Cameo, I would not buy the new machine until it had been out for awhile and tested/recommended by lots of people. sounds like a good price point and great features.

Wow! Love that there will be the capability it cut other things but not too excited about having them controlling the site where you create your designs. I will wait to hear what you will tell us as you get to play with the new machine!

This is all so exciting! Thank you so much for sharing, I watched your video last night right after you uploaded it I think I was the 5th view. Made me not feel so bad that I was not there. Great pictures, I love the storage for the tools. Do you know if it comes with those tools? Did they give you one to take home? Hope so.

Love that they are covering all the complaints of the older ones. The quietness, IPad freindly, dual chambers, SVG files are all GREAT! Just wish the price wasn't so much!!! Can't wait for your input on it, before I think about buying...

I love what I've seen and am so excited to see this...thanks for the video! I've got 3 cricuts...baby, E and cake, design studio, gypsy, juke box, cuttle bug, and all that go with them. I've considered getting another cutter to be able to cut svgs, ttfonts, etc, but will have to wait to see how things go when others use this one. I've been with cricut/pc since '07 and seen it all sitting on the sidelines...I've learned to wait for the bugs to be worked out. I guess my biggest fear is whether or not I've got to be online to use the new machine...my internet is very slow/not dependable. If it works as I'm hoping, it will be my Christmas present this year...fingers crossed. ;-)Carol aka cyimbugbittenbugbitten at hotmail dot com

I like the design of the new machine. I want to get in the world of downloading SVG files but never have because I didn't have a machine with the capability. So many people offer free downloads or ones for a minimal cost. I would like to know if you will be able to download anyone's SVG files or just those from Cricut. Is there going to be a charge to be able to download SVG files? I love CCR and have enjoyed using it. If the Cricut Design Space works as easily for me as CCR does (connecting to internet and the cricut machine without a problem) then I will have no problem using it. Joy, I value your opinion and can't wait to see what you have to say about the machine.

Suzie from MI says, I love, love, love the new machine. SVG cuts will be great to be able to do. The storage areas are so nice too, no more digging for tools elsewhere. Can't wait to see the kickoff Feb 12 on HSN, I'll be watching closely.

So I really like the fact that the designers came up with storage space and are able to slide mats under the machine, seems very organized, what I don't like, is having to pay $10 each month to cut svgs. I don't get that, in addition to needing to be online in order to use the machine, doesn't make it very friendly when travelling or taking to crops, etc. I will be watching HSN to see this in action.

I like the fact that it will be I-Pad friendly, I just got one for Christmas! Hopefully new software will be easy to adapt to. My first cutter was a Wishblade, then a Cricut. I like the 12x12 format, but customer service at Cricut is pretty bad, ask Gypsy owners?Mary B

looks very interesting, they had to do something spectacular to compete with all the other cutting systems out there. It looks very competitive. Dual head intrigues me. Looks like they made it quite simple, will have to watch hsn to see if it is really that simple.

The Explore machine looks promising. I really like how it can cut such tiny images. I don't think my Cricut Expression 2 cuts as detailed. Also, I am so glad the Explorer can cut SVG files...Yes!! I have been thinking of buying a Silhouette. But I don't like having to use my computer to be able to cut with my cartridges. It seems inconvenient.

Well, I waited forever for Cricut to decide to let us start using SVG files again, so I gave up and bought a Cameo for Christmas. Now this comes out. LOL, oh well. Maybe on down the road I will try it again. Still have my E2 and will continue to use the cartridges I have for now and my Cameo for everything else. :)

WOW LOVE LOVE IT.Its about time we can now cut svg files.On top of that you can use it with the ipad good call.Happy for thous who have a ipad. I dont even own one I know ,I know I must be the only person I the word without a ipad that being said.I was never a big fan on taking a die cutting machine and a laptop to crops along with my scrapbooking materials.that's way I was holding back on the silhouette.What about the Gyspy I always use it with my cricut never with out it. There was no mention about the Gyspy to bad it is smaller then the ipad and I have one:) LOL $300.00 is alot of money I will wait for the price to go down or for a sale My Gyspy was $50.00 at Michaels on clarence,cricut expression $150.00 at Menards,and the oridinal cricut $50.00 on ebay As for now all working great Good things comes to those who wait.

It looks pretty, love the idea of precise cuts, seems easy enough to use, the new software sounds Amazing!! But I only wish they will make it compatible with the E2, Mine is still in great shape and i have a large investment on it, so unless i get it as a gift, i won't be buying this any time soon :( thanks for the post Joy and for the chance to win another cartridge :) that sure makes me happyHave a wonderful day!

Hi Joy! The new machine looks amazing, but I have a question. My household uses android not Ipad...will there be an android version for my tablet, rather than having to go buy an Ipad just to use it for this new machine? (I'm sorry, did that make sense?) My kids have "hooked me up" with this new technology and I really don't want to learn a different system than what I'm use to...LOL! (Oh, and that cartridge looks pretty cool too!)

Looking forward to learning more about this new machine. I had a feeling if I held out long enough that something new would come again. I enjoy my current Cricut machines and would like the opportunity to use other files.

I have been an avid Cricut customer from the beginning. I have purchased 4 Cricut machines and a Gypsy. I like what the new machine can do and am anxiously awaiting the debut on HSN so I can really see it in action. I just purchased a Silhouette to be able to cut SVG files but if this machine is better I am sure I will end up with a 5th Cricut. Thank you for giving us the info about the new machine and a chance to win such a great cartridge.

This new machine looks interesting, but I think the best is to wait a while, due to pricing. I am interested in hearing from others who dive in and purchase it. You never know maybe someone will influence me to purchase sooner than later. Thanks Joy for all the information you put out there for us and all the opportunities to win cartridges.

I love it! I am anxious to see what this new machine can do! Love the fact that the blade housing has been updated....more precise cutting as I have had trouble on all my machines with that. I think the price is reasonable. Wondering how it will work with SVG from other vendors.

Looks very interesting!!!! Will wait for comments on it before I decide what to do. I have a brand new cricut imagine with lots of cartridges that I have never used. Just cannot get into learning how to use it!Thanks for the chance to win.

Wow... this machine looks awesome! Love the wifi capability and the ability to use svg files. I hope it is android compatible, but if not, using my PCs will work just fine. The dual head looks very interesting. Can't wait for its premiere!

Questions, questions, questions. Such as will the carts we have linked to our gypsy and CCR be able to be linked to or in the new software or will there be a long waiting period like we had with CCR with carts already linked to our gypsy's? Or will they ever be able to be linked? I think I will have to patience and see what kind of bugs are there and what real crafters have to say when it comes out. Looks promising though. (fingers crossed)

This looks like something I would finally want as an upgraded machine since I own the Cricut Create yet. I would love to see a comparison chart with the Silhouette. Having the use of the previously owned cartridges is great. Hopefully the ones I've linked to the CCR will be easily moved to the new program.

I like the idea behind the new machine but it is vague whether Gypsy users can still use their gypsy. What about all our existing cartridges? Will they transfer to the new software from CCR or our Gypsy? A little disappointed that they are charging a fee to cut an svg file.

What about all our Imagine cartridges, it doesn't appear that they will fit into the Cricut Explore? If we purchase this machine will they discontinue it in a year like they did the Imagine? I'm not interested. I've spent enough money on cartriges and my Imagine machine. Joy, I apprieciate you sharing the information!

Wow! Thanks for sharing this, Joy! I watched the whole video. It looks so amazing, I had to share it on my Crafty Neighbor facebook page! I just have two concerns about this machine: 1) with the dial settings, there's no way to change the speed or pressure and I know I've had MANY projects that had to have a slower speed or pressure than was "recommended" for the type of material I was cutting. 2) I hate that the software HAS to be connected to the internet to work. I can't count the number of times I've been on a retreat (or our annual scrapbooking cruise) and had no internet service. I guess this little machine is for home use only. :(

I'm looking forward to learning more about the new machine. It looks pretty interesting. I'm concerned about not being able to adjust the speed and pressure, but maybe there is a way to do it under the custom selection on the dial.

Wow, looks fun and I love that it can make such intricate cuts. I'm also glad they gave it the capability to use SVG files, that's the most frustrating thing about my current machine. I can't wait to see/hear more.

I can't wait to see more of the new machine, & it looks amazing with its ability to select what you are cutting with just one knob. I love that Cricut continues satisfy customer's wants/needs & update the Cricut.

Okay, I watched all the videos, and read all the information...question...Where are the ladies in all this? All I saw were men discussing the machine...not that there aren't male crafters, but frankly, they didn't look like crafters. I would have liked to have seen the ladies, that do the crafting, demonstrating and speaking, about this machine. It looks nice, sounds nice, and reads nice, but look at what happened with Windows 8. Then there's the issue of the subscription to be able to use SVG files and access images from the library. Lastly, what's with the Cricut Design Space? They should have programmed it to CCR, which they say will be kept and supported...remember Design Studio? I love new toys...when they have something worthwhile to offer. I love my Cricut machines and cartridges, and loved Design Studio, but I think Cricut fell behind when they didn't want to play with everyone else...like Apple did at first, now they are attempting catch up. Unfortunately, with Brother's Scan and Cut, the Silhoutte, the new E-Clips, and others, it may be a hard sell.

I just bought the Cricut Expression 2, but I will have to have this new one. I bought a Brother Scan'n'Cut and when I read the user guilde I turned white. I sent it back to complicated for me. Hope this new Cricut is user friendly, as most of their machines are. I love Cricut for card, scrapbooking and general decorating.

It looks cool and I LOVE the storage of the tools!! I'm confused on the whole SVG files, etc. but I have never used Cricut craft room. I look forward to hearing more about this new machine!! I love following your blog!! I became a CTMH consultant back in April and primarily use the Cricut for everything. I LOVE the Cricut and the CTMH cartirdges!!

Frustrating to find out: "You can use your existing cartridges in the machine but it will be with the Cricut Design Space, which requires the internet." Just makes using it harder when going to a crop!

Well I'm fairly new to the Cricut world. I have the Mini and I love working with the computer. I'm hoping for a little more editing possibilities in the Cricut Craft Room. I've only been at this for 6 months but absolutely love it! It would be great to be able to use fonts from the computer to compliment the software. Grammyd from northwestern PA

I love my little bug and my cricut cake. I have used both for teaching and they are great. I was thinking in getting the new scan&cut from brothers and was very expectant to see the new bug, however, I was expecting a more user friendly machine that would allow me to do more like the scan and cut...I used my gypsy to design my own cuts and files and still love it even though it is little. What I particularly like is that I can take it with me. It would be nice if the new designer designer program would be available for tables or even for smart phones... A suggestion: make an app and more people will be tempted to buy it...

They can make all the machines they want. They are very power hungry and controlling. Provo Craft makes it so the consumer must do things there way only. I will continue to steer as many people away from Provo Craft/Cricut because of their horrible customer service & I speak from multiple experiences. Plus their greedy & seedy/sorry business practices. No thanks. I learned the hard way and, as I said, will steer as many people away as I humanly can.

Darn it, Provo Craft! You have come out with a beautiful machine to tease me with and I have three Cricut machines in my basement collecting dust (Expression, Expression 2, and Cake Mini) since I started using my Silhouette. I think that Provo Craft is moving in the right direction but I would really like to see them allow us to use our own SVG files without having to pay to do so. Sometimes I love the simplicity of just popping in a cartridge to make something but most of the time I want to create my own svg files and that is why I prefer the Silhouette. This new machine sure looks pretty snazzy though and I like how you can crease or print and cut without having to change blades.

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Unless otherwise stated within the post, this is my original work. Please feel free to use as inspiration for your own personal use, but do not use for publication, contest/message board entries, or to sell. If my work inspires a work of your own, please give credit by posting a link to my blog. Thank you!

Joy

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